@Kevern_Zaksor
Casino analogy is off because you cannot play in a casino for free. You can play f2p in this game (which is one of the best out there) as long as you are focused and patient.
Again...promos like this happens all across the gaming and business spectrum. Other games have made similar offers both for iOS and Android. Certain retailers give you special edition CDs/DVDs with exclusive content. CC companies offer discounts and extra points if you frequent particular establishments or business.
My Samsung Pay comes with loyalty points that gives me free stuff. It makes me use my Samsung Pay a lot more that I would otherwise.
EA also wins because Google is giving SWGOH free advertising to non-players. Just like Clash Royale and Transformers game did. I got a free 2 star optimus prime and tried the game for like 15 minutes...it was boring but it did get me to download the game and play it.
BTW: It seems like a bigger deal than just EA and Google.
This holiday season, we’ve teamed up with Google to give Star Wars™: Galaxy of Heroes players up to a $50 in-game bonus with the purchase of Google Play gift cards. These in-game bonuses include Rey from Star Wars™: The Force Awakens™ as well as Crystals. In the weeks ahead, you should start to see Star Wars™: Galaxy of Heroes branded Google Play gift card kiosks at major retailers around the world, so keep an eye out for them.
https://forums.galaxy-of-heroes.starwars.ea.com/discussion/136809/the-road-ahead